By Rosemarie Sumalinog Gonzales
Each one of us has a past. Instead of judging people by their past, help them build their future. Treat them with respect. Whatever their past are, people change. Show them you are true to them and in turn they will be honest with themselves and with you.
Treat everyone with kindness even if they are not but because you are. Even if they are ungrateful still be willing to give them a second chance. Help them even if they drive you crazy and those you don't even know. True kindness lies in the act of giving without the expectation of getting something in return. This is the selfless act of sharing what you have.
Don't try to make yourself great by making someone else look small. Never boost your achievements because others did not accomplish what you have. The moment you think you have the right to belittle others because you are better than they are is the moment you prove your weakness. People tend to make others feel how they themselves feel. If you can't offer help, at least do not to hurt them or make them feel small even if you feel that your kindness is already abused. Treat everyone you meet with respect.
Everyone has inner battles and issues, even you. Withhold your judgment and be objective in assessing other's mistakes. Nobody is perfect. Every person you meet will have a role in your life. Some people will help you grow, others will hurt you but there are also some who will inspire you to do better. Treat people with significance just the way you want to be treated.
Never look down anybody unless you are helping them up. In our society, it's so easy to look down on someone who isn't as successful or accomplished or well-educated as you are. You have no idea how far that person has suffered because of their wrong choices in life. Be there to show your empathy and willing ears to listen to their problems. Don't be rude. Your willingness to listen is enough. Time could easily reverse your positions, so treat everyone with dignity.
Be grateful to those who have supported you especially your family. Forgive those who have hurt you and help those who need you. Life is so complex that you need to treat all people including yourself with love and compassion.
Life will be better if you fairly treat others even if they don't respect you at all.
Most often than not, we judge people based on their mistakes. We failed to see that their past do not define them. Whatever their past maybe, what we can do is to put ourselves in their shoes. Empathy is the key to be objective in assessing people fairly.